He needs to man up and tell the truth.
man up
idiomTo be brave or tough enough to deal with something in a manner that is considered strong or manly. (Compare man (“brace oneself, steel oneself”))
Origin
disputed originFrom man + up, with influence from own up, buck up.
When the project became difficult, the manager told the team they had to man up and finish the work.
Despite his deep-seated fear of the consequences, he knew he had to man up, accept responsibility for his errors, and face the board of directors.
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be a man
To put up with something or take responsibility for it; to deal with something, such as pain or misfortune, without complaining.
- 02
be one's own man
To behave independently without the influence of others.
- 03
be the bigger man
To walk away from a conflict to prevent it from escalating.
- 04
boldly go where no man has gone before
To break new ground.
- 05
broken man
A man who has suffered significant and enduring emotional pain as a result of a highly unpleasant or traumatic event.
- 06
every man has a price
Everyone can be bribed or corrupted for a certain price.
- 07
faceless man
Someone who is not elected to political office, but exerts power over political affairs from behind the scenes.
- 08
funny man
Alternative form of funnyman.
Last updated April 17, 2026